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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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TAZORAC (NDA-021184)

(TAZAROTENE)

Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

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07/21/2017 (SUPPL-9)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.2 Local Irritation and Hypersensitivity Reactions (subsection title revised)

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Local tolerability reactions (including blistering and skin desquamation) and hypersensitivity adverse reactions

(including urticaria) have been observed with topical tazarotene.  Application of TAZORAC Cream …

6 Adverse Reactions

Addition of the following:

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:

  • Embryofetal toxicity

  • Photosensitivity and Risk of Sunburn

    6.2 Postmarketing Experience

    The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of tazarotene. Because these

    reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

    Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: blister, dermatitis, urticaria, skin exfoliation, skin discoloration (including skin hyperpigmentation or skin hypopigmentation), swelling at or near application sites, and pain.

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

PLLR conversion; revised as below:

Risk Summary

Based on data from animal reproduction studies, retinoid pharmacology, and the potential for systemic absorption, TAZORAC Cream may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Safety in pregnant females has not been established. The potential risk to the fetus outweighs the potential benefit to the mother from TAZORAC Cream during pregnancy; therefore, TAZORAC Cream should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is recognized.  Limited case reports of pregnancy in females enrolled in clinical trials for TAZORAC Cream have not established a clear association with tazarotene and major birth defects or miscarriage risk. Because the exact timing and extent of exposure in relation to the gestational age are not certain, the significance of these findings is unknown.

In animal reproduction studies with pregnant rats, tazarotene dosed topically during organogenesis at 2 times the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of tazarotene cream, 0.1% resulted in reduced fetal body weights and reduced skeletal ossification. In animal reproduction studies with pregnant rabbits dosed topically with tazarotene gel at 26 times the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1%, there was a single incident of known retinoid malformations, including spina bifida, hydrocephaly, and heart anomalies.

In animal reproduction studies with pregnant rats and rabbits, tazarotene dosed orally during organogenesis at 2 and 52 times, respectively, the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1% resulted in malformations, fetal toxicity, developmental delays, and/or behavioral delays. In pregnant rats, tazarotene dosed orally prior to mating through early gestation resulted in decreased litter size, decreased numbers of live fetuses, decreased fetal body weights, and increased malformations at doses approximately 7 times higher than the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1%.

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Adverse outcomes in pregnancy occur regardless of the health of the mother or the use of medications. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

In rats, a tazarotene gel, 0.05% formulation dosed topically during gestation days 6 through 17 at

0.25 mg/kg/day, which represented 2 times the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the MRHD

of tazarotene cream, 0.1% (i.e., 2 mg/cm2 over a 15% body surface area), resulted in reduced fetal body weights and reduced skeletal ossification. Rabbits dosed topically with 0.25 mg/kg/day tazarotene gel, which represented 26 times the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1%, during gestation days 6 through 18, had a single incident of known retinoid malformations, including spina bifida, hydrocephaly, and heart anomalies.

When tazarotene was given orally to animals, developmental delays were seen in rats, and malformations and post-implantation loss were observed in rats and rabbits at doses representing 2 and 52 times, respectively, the maximum systemic exposure seen in subjects treated with the MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1%.

In female rats orally administered 2 mg/kg/day of tazarotene from 15 days before mating through gestation day 7, which represented 7 times the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1%, classic developmental effects of retinoids were observed including decreased number of implantation sites, decreased litter size, decreased numbers of live fetuses, and decreased fetal body weights. A low incidence of retinoid-related malformations was observed at that dose.

In a pre- and postnatal development toxicity study, topical administration of tazarotene gel (0.125 mg/kg/day) to pregnant female rats from gestation day 16 through lactation day 20 reduced pup survival, but did not affect the reproductive capacity of the offspring. Based on data from another study, the maximum systemic exposure in the rat would be equivalent to the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1%.

8.2 Lactation

PLLR conversion; revised as below:

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of tazarotene in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. After single topical doses of 14C-tazarotene gel to the skin of lactating rats, radioactivity was detected in rat milk. The lack of clinical data during lactation precludes a clear determination of the risk of TAZORAC Cream to an infant during lactation; therefore, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for TAZORAC Cream and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from TAZORAC Cream or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

PLLR conversion; revised as below:

Pregnancy Testing

Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential within 2 weeks prior to initiating TAZORAC Cream therapy which should begin during a menstrual period.

Contraception

Females

Based on animal studies, TAZORAC Cream may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.  Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TAZORAC Cream.

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Additions and/or revisions underlined:
Embryofetal Toxicity

Inform females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise these patients to use effective

 contraception during treatment with TAZORAC Cream. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy

Photosensitivity and Risk of Sunburn

Advise patients to avoid excessive sun exposure and to use of sunscreens and protective measures (hat, visor).

Advise patients to avoid using TAZORAC if also taking other medicines may increase sensitivity to sunlight.

Important Administration Instructions

Advise the patient of the following:

  1. Avoid contact with the eyes. If TAZORAC Cream gets in or near eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. Seek medical attention if eye irritation continues.

  1. TAZORAC Cream is for topical use only. Do not apply to eyes, mouth, or other mucous membrane.  Not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use.

  2. Wash hands thoroughly after applying TAZORAC Cream.

PATIENT INFORMATION

Patient information sheet revised; please refer to label.